The White House announced on May 4th its nomination of William G. Sutton, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce (Manufacturing and Services). Sutton most recently served as president of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. Prior to this, he served as Commander of Amphibious Group Two in the U.S. Navy. Earlier in his career, he served as Commander of Naval Base Pearl Harbor. He received his bachelor's degree from the United States Naval Academy and his master's from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) praised President Bush's nomination of William "Woody" Sutton. "Woody has been a longtime advocate and friend to manufacturers, recognizing industry's importance to the economy and millions of American jobs," said NAM President John Engler in a statement released May 4. "If confirmed, his experience within the industry will allow him to expand this position, helping manufacturers create jobs and compete globally."
"Manufacturers face great challenges, from structural costs at home and global competition abroad," Engler said. "Having worked directly with the industry, Woody Sutton understands these challenges and the means necessary to developing growth to keep American manufacturing strong.
Engler added, "Standing alone, U.S. manufacturing would be the eighth largest economy in the world. America remains the world's top manufacturing country and despite suggestions to the contrary, more products than ever are now 'Made in America.' Woody is an exceptional nominee to become the President's point person for the industry to continue this trend."
